Common Name: Chinese Sweet Plum

Scientific Name: Sageretia theezans

Characteristics

1. Bark – light to dark reddish brown / smooth / exfoliating 
2. Branches – brittle with age / straight / cantilever / prone to have water sprouts / thorns
3. Leaves – alternate / ovate / simple / new leaves are reddish - burgundy / medium to dark green 
4. Flowers – very small / yellowish white / fragrant 
5. Fruit – purplish berries / edible

Growing Conditions 

1. Air – good air circulation / humid environment 
2. Sun – morning to midday sun is best / good sun promotes smaller leaves
3. Water – moist not wet - dry down not dry out / morning to midday is best / new leaves increase transpiration 

Maintenance

1. Roots – Repotting is best when night temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees. Well-draining soil. Protect from sun for 2 weeks after root pruning.
2. Trunk – Properly clean and protect large cuts from moisture as cuts can be difficult or impossible to heal. *Incorporate large wounds into the overall design. Watch for wire scarring. Healthy trees can be heavily reduced. *Watch for water sprouts to prevent unnecessary wounds
3. Branches – Branches become more brittle and difficult to bend with age. Use wire to set initial primary and/or secondary branch structure where applicable. Watch for wire scarring. The clip-n-grow technique is well utilized. Properly clean and protect large cuts from moisture as cuts can be difficult or impossible to heal. *Incorporate large wounds into the overall design. Healthy trees can be heavily pruned. Protect from sun for 2 weeks after heavy branch pruning. *Watch for water sprouts to prevent unnecessary wounds. 
4. Leaves / Flowers – Defoliation is not necessary. Partial defoliation during the growing season can increase airflow, visual design, and reduce predatory insects and fungus. Watch for insects and related fungus on flowers and new stem growth.

Hardiness: Sub-tropical evergreen / zone 9 – 11 / protect below 32 degrees or sustained freezing

Propagation: Cuttings and air-layers do well. Can be produced by seed. Night temperatures must be consistently over 60 degrees for best results.

Potential Issues

1. Insects – aphids / scale 
2. Fungus – sooty mold on leaves and branches caused by aphids / root fungus can occur because of poor soil or drainage

*NOTES – Outside Only. Native to China.